Photo: Contributed

The BCSPCA is asking you to take a second and think about wildlife before doing your usual yard work. 

"You can do a great service to wildlife by letting your lawns and gardens get a little ‘wild’ themselves,” said Meghann Cant, animal welfare educator for the BC SPCA.

"Winter is a tough season for wild animals. Deep snow and freezing temperatures make finding food and shelter a daily struggle. Wildlife has adapted to the changes brought on by the season, Cant said.

There are a few simple things you can do to help the animals survive long winters: 

1. Keep your grass long,. Long grass can shelter overwintering insects.

2.Piles of leaf litter can provide a place for animals such as frogs to hibernate. 

3.Allowing plants to go to seed can feed hungry birds spending the winter here.

4.Brush piles can give cover to animals such as chipmunks, marmots and hares. 

Fore more information on you can help out wildlife, click here.